SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2952

BYHouse Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Kremen, McLean, Nealey, Baugher, Hine, Rayburn and Jacobsen)

Extending the organic food certification program to packing sheds and wholesale distributors.

House Committe on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Senate Staff:John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Agriculture administers a certification program for producers and processors of organic foods under RCW 15.86.  The program includes inspection by certification personnel, recordkeeping requirements, and the submission of product samples for chemical analysis.  The certification fees paid by growers must fund the inspection portion of the certification program.

SUMMARY:

The organic food certification program is expanded to cover packing sheds and wholesale distributors who handle organic food products.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested